This category covers all aspects of the processed and packaged food industry, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, frozen foods, and other value-added products.
Operating in the emerging market of chewable nutritional supplements, YouChews introduced Coffee Chews. The rich, velvety cacao chews burst with the flavor of 100% Hawaiian-grown Kona coffee beans, velvety cacao and Guarana a plant native to the Amazon rainforest offering long-lasting and consistent energy without the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ associated with coffee.
By design, chewables spend more time in the mouth, allowing for optimum absorption. Each nutritionally potent chewable delivers the cognitive benefits of caffeine, equivalent to an 8oz cup of coffee, with just 2g of sugar – a departure from the sugar-laden offerings of typical energy drinks and gummy supplements.
YouChews Coffee Chew is the first in a line of nutritional supplements that will debut in the coming months, including Coffee Chews for brain health, gut health and a Passion Berry healthy heart chew, and more.
Proudly female-founded, YouChews invites you to join the movement toward convenient, effective nutrition with Coffee Chews, now available on Amazon for less than an 8oz name brand cup of coffee or via the YouChews website.
Sunrider International, a provider of premium herbal nutrition and wellness products, announced the launch of IntelliRise, a groundbreaking nootropic beverage designed to awaken the mind and invigorate the body.
Harnessing the power of nature’s finest ingredients, IntelliRise features a blend of functional mushrooms and adaptogenic plants, including lions mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus), cordyceps mushroom, Rhodiola Rosea, and Korean panax ginseng.
IntelliRise is a natural powerhouse, offering a multitude of benefits to enhance your well-being. These include supporting mental focus and concentration,* boosting memory, promoting physical and mental performance, aiding positivity and mood, relieving stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and providing antioxidant benefits.
With a rich, roasted cocoa flavor, IntelliRise refreshes both mind and body without jitters or a crash, making it ideal for a revitalizing start to the day or a caffeine-free afternoon pick-me-up. Mixing easily in both hot and cold water, it’s convenient for any occasion. Moreover, it contains zero fat, is cholesterol-free, and is suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
“While there is evidence of a link between processed and ultra-processed foods and health, the evidence base in relation to processing remains uncertain and of insufficient quality to propose changes to existing dietary recommendations at the moment,” said FSS senior public health nutritionist Alana McDonald.
“In contrast, there is robust evidence that diets high in calories, fats, sugars and salt increase the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and many types of cancer,” she added.
However, the organisation’s five UPF facts did not demonise processed ultra-processed foods, but advocated they could play a role in a healthy lifestyle.
“Not all processed foods are equal and there are some which can play a role in helping us achieve a balanced diet that are both nutritious and convenient, such as whole grain breads and tinned beans,” said Public Health Scotland organisational lead for food and physical activity Claire Hislop.
Five key facts about UPF foods:
UPFs aren’t all bad
Processed and ultra-processed foods are not all unhealthy. The terms ‘processed’ and ‘ultra-processed’ are used to describe how a food is made and not its nutritional value.
Processing means safety
Food and drink manufacture relies on processing and additives to ensure food safety. Preservatives, emulsifiers and antioxidants help to extend shelf life. Additives are deemed safe to use following strict assessments.
UPF impacts aren’t fully known
Evidence linking foods with high fat, sugar and salt content (HFSS) is concrete. However, said FSS, “the jury is still out on whether it’s the processing itself or the HFSS content that’s to blame”.
All the information is available
In the UK, colour-coded front-of-pack labelling shows whether a food or drink product is high or low in various nutrients. The red, amber and green traffic light system shows whether something is high, medium or low in HFSS ingredients.
Make small changes
Consumers who consume too many UPFs were advised to make small, manageable changes that could “lead to big improvements” in health over time.
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Nature’s Own, America’s No. 1 selling bread brand*, announced a multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, naming the brand a Proud Partner of the Dallas Cowboys.
“As America’s leading bread brand, we are honored to forge a partnership with the iconic Dallas Cowboys,” said Tyler Cannada, brand manager for Nature’s Own. “We look forward to collaborating with one of the world’s most esteemed sports franchises to create authentic and unforgettable experiences for fans.”
Kicking off the partnership’s first year, Nature’s Own will host a VIP tailgate party at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 22 against the Baltimore Ravens. Offering one lucky winner and their guest the chance to attend, Nature’s Own and the Dallas Cowboys have launched a sweepstakes, encouraging fans to join the fun by entering to win a grand prize trip to the game on Sept. 22. The prize will include two game tickets along with complimentary access to the VIP tailgate and parking. The exclusive tailgate will feature bites and brews on behalf of Nature’s Own, along with photo opportunities and interactive games for those select attendees. The sweepstakes is live now until Aug. 26, 2024.
Nature’s Own will also be hosting a branded pop-up at the AT&T Plaza at AT&T Stadium before the game and inviting fans to come by for the opportunity to win prizes and branded swag.
In addition, fans can swing by participating retailers throughout Texas and Oklahoma to find Nature’s Own and Dallas Cowboys branded displays featuring another upcoming sweepstakes where consumers can enter for a chance to win Dallas Cowboys season tickets for 2025. Visit NaturesOwnBread.com/Tickets beginning September 6, 2024.
“Our goal is to elevate the game day experience by making Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted Buns the cornerstone of unforgettable tailgates,” says Krystle Farlow, director of brand management for Nature’s Own. “Through innovative activations and engaging campaigns, we hope to increase brand awareness and solidify Nature’s Own as the ultimate choice for tailgating season.”
About Nature’s Own Upholding a commitment to quality, Nature’s Own Bread emphasizes freshness and irresistibly soft texture, maintaining standards that were first introduced by Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO) in 1977. Today, Nature’s Own is America’s number one selling loaf bread brand* – known for providing a variety of products with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and high fructose corn syrup. The brand offers a delicious selection of fresh, soft variety breads, buns, rolls and more. Learn more at www.naturesownbread.com. *Circana loaf dollar sales latest 52 weeks ending 07-7-24.
This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.
Tyson Foods named a new chief financial officer on Thursday, replacing heir John R. Tyson, who was suspended earlier this summer after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
The meat giant on Thursday appointed Interim CFO Curt Calaway to take over the position permanently. Tyson remains with the company but is currently on health-related leave, according to a release.
Tyson, a great-grandson of the company’s founder, had the executive role for nearly two years. He was suspended in June after he was arrested in what was the second alcohol-related incident in his tenure as CFO.
In July, Tyson pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including DWI and careless driving, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper reported.
Calaway has been with Tyson Foods since 2006, holding various financial leadership roles throughout his career. He was CFO for Tyson’s prepared foods business, where he oversaw M&A and corporate development efforts.
“Curt is a proven leader with deep industry knowledge and a wealth of experience in financial strategy and reporting,” Donnie King, Tyson president and CEO, said in a statement. “I am confident Curt will continue to help drive our operational excellence and shareholder value.”
The Springdale, Arkansas-based company posted strong profits in its latest quarter, following “a remarkable turnaround” in its chicken and pork businesses driven by operational efficiencies and lower feed costs, King said in an August investor call.
Adjusted operating income totaled $491 million in the third quarter, up 174% over last year, after the company shuttered nine processing plants. According to its earnings report, Tyson is bullish on profits for the rest of the year.
In celebration of Universal Pictures’ upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, the beloved musical that has thrilled and delighted audiences for two decades, Betty Crocker is debuting two new Wicked-inspired treats – its first-ever “mix-to-reveal” kits for cookie dough pops and cupcakes.
Fans will get to experience the magic of Wicked with these mixes. Since pink goes good with green, the vanilla-flavored mixes change colors as the ingredients are stirred, revealing if bakers will be conjuring up a green treat like Elphaba or a pink treat like Glinda.
“For more than 100 years, fans have trusted Betty Crocker to bring joy into the world through homemade love, and baking with Betty Crocker is the perfect way for families to build up excitement for the new Wicked film,” says Jenny Jonker, Betty Crocker brand experience manager. “The opportunities for baking are truly ‘unlimited’ with Betty Crocker’s very first color-revealing innovation and new magical baking mashups. We can’t wait to see everyone’s enchanting and delicious creations.”
Additionally, fans can find six classic Betty Crocker products now featuring Wickedly Better Together recipe combinations. Each Betty Crocker brownie, cake, and cookie mix, as well as frosting, is packaged in special Wicked-themed boxes and features fun recipes that combine two baking mixes for one treat, including:
Thrillifying Cupcake – Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix and Fudge Brownie Mix
Outstandiful Cookie Pie – Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix and Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Betty Crocker Wicked-themed “mix-to-reveal” kits for cookie dough pops and cupcakes are available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.98.
The PMCA Production Conference Program Committee has named James Walsh, food scientist, nutrition and bakery at Tate & Lyle, as the twenty-seventh recipient of the Marie Kelso Memorial Award. Walsh presented Formulation Challenges & Solutions in Reduced Sugar Gummies Wednesday, April 17 during the 77th Annual Production Conference. The award will be presented at the 78th Annual Production Conference, April 7–9, 2025, in Lancaster, PA.
Walsh joins the ranks of the 26 previous award winners (in ascending order); Edward S. Seguine, Mars Snackfood, Susan L. Hefle, Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Marlene B. Stauffer, Blommer Chocolate Company, Harold H. Schmitz, Ph.D, Mars Snackfood, Nicole Staniec, Firmenich, Bill Dyer, Blommer Chocolate Company, Greg Ziegler, The Pennsylvania State University, Jeffrey Fine, AAK USA, Joe Smillie, Quality Assurance International, (QAI), Cindy Cosmos, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Richard Hartel, University of Wisconsin – Madison (awarded twice), Tracey Duffey, World Cocoa Foundation, Kurt Muentener, Keymount GmbH, Abdoulaye Traore, Mars Chocolate, Jordana Swank, The Hershey Company, Joseph Bell, Joseph Bell Consulting, Kerry Kaylegian, The Pennsylvania State University, Mark Kline, The Hershey Company, John Ashby, California Natural Products, Jeffrey Bogusz, Ferrara Candy Company, Carly Meck, Blommer Chocolate Company, Nina Puch, Knechtel, Inc., Sarah Houle, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Pam Gesford, The Hershey Company and Jenna Derhammer, Blommer Chocolate Company.
About the award:
The PMCA Board of Directors established the Marie Kelso Memorial award in 1997. It is given each year to the author of the paper presented at the previous year’s annual production conference that most significantly contributes to industry knowledge, thus honoring the memory of Marie Kelso and her faithful dedication and unwavering belief in the value of the production conference for the industry.
Marie Kelso served as secretary to the Production Conference Committee for 38 years, and indeed her name became synonymous with the event itself. In her youth, she was secretary to Hans Dresel, a salesman for Felton Chemical Company in Philadelphia, PA. As her boss worked tirelessly to organize and promote PMCA’s Annual Production Conference, as well as AACT events, she organized and managed tirelessly as well. After she left her job at Felton Chemical, the production conference became her life’s work. Kelso was also active for many years in the Philadelphia Section of AACT. She passed away in September 1995.
On the episode of CPG Week, the team conducts a wide-ranging, mid-year quiz related to some of the quirkier elements of the industry this year.
Joined by BevNET Editor-in-Chief Jeff Klineman, the podcast hosts — Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporters Lukas Southard and Brad Avery — all came to the show with a trivia question to test each other’s news knowledge. The questions ranged from butter statues of famous athletes and food culture celebrity biopics to Pop-Tarts and “Brat Summer.”
Show Highlights:
0:30 – As Labor Day ushers in the unofficial end of school break, the group shares their personal favorite snacks of the summer with a nod to the impending “pumpkin spice” season.
3:30 – Jeff kicks off the quiz with a multiple-choice question addressing the overlap of food and professional sports.
7:15 – Monica’s question leads to a discussion of the announcement that Mars is acquiring Pop-Tarts maker Kellanova.
14:00 – Ushered in by Charlie XCX’s hit album “Brat,” Brad asks which sausage maker has capitalized on one of the summer’s biggest hashtag trends.
15:30 – Who is the latest food icon to be announced as the subject of a biopic? Spoiler: It’s not Guy Fieri, but that might be the group’s favorite option for future biographical films.
About the CPG Week
CPG Week is the podcast that explores the latest happenings in the consumer packaged goods industry. Join our seasoned reporting team as they dish out the week’s stories in quick, easy-to-digest episodes. Catch up on the top headlines of the week, dive into exclusive insights with the BevNET and Nosh teams, and set yourself up to make more informed business decisions. Tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the dynamic world of packaged food and beverage.
New episodes are released every week. Send us comments and suggestions anytime to cpgweek@nosh.com.
This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.
Grains such as quinoa, farro and buckwheat have long been touted by nutrition experts for their high fiber, protein content and abundant omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a darling of the regenerative agriculture space, growing in harsh conditions with minimal water and fertilizer inputs.
Now, these grains are increasingly being incorporated into indulgent products such as ice cream to enhance the product’s nutritional profile.
According to a recent Spins webinar, they will be even more important as they move from standalone ingredients intoproducts made by CPG companies.
Sustainable grains are a $41 million market, according to SPINS data. The sector is poised for additional growth because it aligns with consumer interest in better-for-you food products and environmental sustainability, Zoe Colon, senior insights analyst at SPINS, said in the webinar.
“It does not mean they are on the decline, or they are leaving the shelf,” Gina Roberts, client insights senior analyst at Spins, said during the webinar. “It really is showing as we dive deeper into the data that these sustainable grains have a significant future growth as a supporting ingredient, so they came into the market as a single product, and now have this new future.”
Concerns over climate change and protecting the planet have propelled sustainable grains to the forefront of product formulations, she said.
Quinoa, for example, has been added to nut and seed butters, rice cakes and wellness bars.
Nuike Foods, an Israeli food-tech startup, created a non-dairy milk product out of quinoa, in hopes of attracting consumers with its high protein content and sustainable ingredient profile.
Farro, originally from the Middle East, is being used as a supporting ingredient in baking mixes, crackers, crisp breads and pasta. And the growing popularity of the Mediterranean Diet is partially responsible for the grain’s entry to the market, Roberts said.
Buckwheat has been addedmore often to the breakfast and snacking categories. The ingredient may see growth in the beverage space as well, specifically in kombucha, SPINS found.
Social media influencers are also driving the growth of sustainable grains, said Roberts, by adding it toindulgences and creating videos on how to prepare them.
Ice cream maker Van Leeuwen has incorporated sustainable grains into their products. The company’s Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam ice cream uses buckwheat flour for the cookie crumble. This adds a sustainable and nutritious aspect to the ice cream.
“It will be really unique to see how other companies use sustainable grains in frozen desserts in the future,” said Roberts.
Companies like Seven Sundays and Purely Elizabeth are taking cereal and granola, which can be an indulgence, and adding in ingredients like quinoa, buckwheat and millet to boost the nutritional profile.
Cascadian Farms, a General Mills brand, sellsa Climate Smart Cereal with kernza — a whole grain that comes from intermediate wheatgrass — as the main ingredient.
“A key way General Mills was able to innovate here was not only adding the ingredient to their product but also labeling it as ‘climate smart,’” said Roberts. “It really stands out on shelves.”
